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Paul F.

Director of Data and Analytics

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Top Insider Advice

My career experience causes me to provide the following advice, which is relevant for opportunities here at First Central: • Build credibility by doing what you say you will • Team spirit trumps all • Seek to understand and don’t judge a book by its cover • Give people space; micro-management is a killer • Be relentless in seeking to understand yourself • Coaching and mentoring are transformational and are amazing gifts you can give to others • Take risks and be brave • Be human, be vulnerable, show emotion to make yourself accessible

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Career path

Director of Data and Analytics

First Central

Started 08/2021 to Present

Company

What do you like about your job and the company?

First Central has data front and centre in its business strategy on a page; it’s boldly declared in our definition of who we are, our purpose, and our mission which is an incredible opportunity for a data leader and their team. So, the ambition we have at First Central for data management and for creating value from it combined with a truly exceptional collaborative culture is an highly motivating environment to be in. One of the reasons I joined the business was that I wanted to work in an organisation that had a similar, ‘family-type’ feel as my previous company but one that had a more entrepreneurial, fast-paced edge to it. I have certainly found that here. Finally, because we chose to create our own insurance platform and adopted cloud technology early, the opportunities for generating rich event data and then embedding analytical models into customers’ journeys are huge. Again, this is a highly motivating element of the data ambitions of our business.

Greatest achievements

Having a modest academic achievement record and working inside a large organisation for most of my career had created an inherent feeling of imposter syndrome that caused me to doubt my own abilities and knowledge. Given the above, being invited to present at the flagship Data and Analytics event in the UK run by Gartner was a major sense of pride for me, particularly as it was on the topic of the innovative use of data harnessing leading edge approaches and technologies. Presenting to a room of a few thousand people was a huge step outside my comfort zone which gave me renewed confidence in my own abilities and convinced me the work I was leading was at the forefront of our industry.

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Top Insider Advice

Whatever you’re good at, whether it be organisation or leadership or analytics, try your best to draw on those skills within your current role to really showcase what you do well. And not just in your role, look at other roles such as championing or volunteering to provide additional opportunities to really highlight what you are good at. This may then give you the chance to consider where you have improvements to make and think about how that can be achieved through shadowing, mentoring or further education / courses. There are so many opportunities at First Central to shine a light on our talents or improve our weaknesses. Take them!

Chris B

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Top Insider Advice

I really enjoy change delivery, developing ideas and simplifying processes in my role. ‘Find a role that supports your interests and develops your skills’, it provides longevity in the role, gives a sense of achievement and, overall, you’ll get enjoyment from the work you do.

Maria S

L&D Director

Top Insider Advice

Development never stops so own it; be the driver of your own skills development. Take time to build relationships and networks. Be brave to use your voice. No question is a stupid question so speak up if you need to ask or want to understand. Stay curious: everyone is human regardless of their level. People are always on hand to help so be confident to ask for it! Culture is key and great teams make great things happen!

Discussions with Paul F
What does growth and development look like here?
in Career progression·mardi, mai 9, 2023
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3 responses
153 views
Tell me about the most rewarding part of your job?
in Career Tips·mercredi, mars 29, 2023
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3 responses
145 views
Describe the opportunities to learn from more senior employees?
in Career Tips·mardi, mai 30, 2023
1 response
23 views
What is your relationship like with your colleagues and team?
in Career Tips·mardi, août 1, 2023
1 response
11 views
How do you keep motivated in your career?
in Career progression·mardi, septembre 5, 2023
1 response
12 views